The Solomon Islands and Climate Change

Geography and Location

• The Solomon Islands are located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean.
• They comprise a nation consisting of a group of islands with significant biodiversity.

Threats

• The main threat to the Solomon Islands is climate change, particularly rising sea levels.
• Coastal erosion and extreme weather events pose significant risks to the islands.

Occupation

• The primary occupation of the people in the Solomon Islands is subsistence farming and fishing.
• Many communities rely on the natural resources and traditional practices for their livelihoods.

Housing

• Common houses in the Solomon Islands are made from local materials such as thatch and timber.
• Their construction is influenced by the climate and availability of resources.

Cultural Context

• Gladys Habu wanted to take Ade to a safer location, presumably to escape environmental threats.
• This indicates a concern for community welfare amidst climate change impacts.

Environmental Changes

• An island has disappeared beneath the waves due to climate change, highlighting the drastic effects on geography.
• Gladys' village faces deterioration and loss of land, which impacts the community’s lifestyle.

Beach Conditions

• The beaches in the Solomon Islands have been eroded, diminishing local recreational and economic opportunities.
• Changes in beach profiles negatively affect ecosystems and community livelihoods.

Rising Sea Levels Impact

• Rising sea levels threaten to inundate homes, forcing relocation and loss of property.
• Many houses may become uninhabitable or require significant modification.

Historical Loss

• An area that once covered 50,000 square meters has largely disappeared, evidencing the substantial environmental changes over time.
• This loss affects not only land but also ecosystems and traditional ways of life in the islands.